AmeriCorps National service opportunities provide a unique human resource to affiliates—motivated, passionate, hard-working members who can address community needs in a variety of ways. Members from diverse backgrounds and abilities build and renovate houses with low-income families and strengthen communities by enabling Habitat affiliates to utilize volunteers more effectively.

Potential opportunities include:

Construction
National members provide leadership, training and support of volunteers and partner families in the construction of homes. A National member serving in construction may lead homeowner families and volunteer groups in construction tasks, provide on-site orientation and safety instruction for volunteers and partner families, serve as a crew leader, assist with warranty repairs, participate in deconstruction and renovation of homes, green building, maintain safety equipment, transport materials and supplies to sites, and arrange for proper storage on site.

Family Services
A National member assists and supports partner families with the homeowner application process. A National member serving in family services may act as a liaison to the family selection committee; plan and facilitate monthly meetings with families, the family selection committee and construction staff; create a sweat-equity schedule; or help with event planning for groundbreaking and dedication events.

Volunteer Management
National members will manage volunteer recruitment, training, coordination and recognition. Members may manage group and individual volunteer schedules, write and update volunteer recruitment materials, recruit volunteers, update volunteer job descriptions, create and maintain tracking logs, coordinate volunteer check-in, develop volunteer assignments, arrange special events, and provide support to volunteers.

Deconstruction
Affiliate Deconstruction Departments disassemble homes and buildings of all sizes to salvage materials for reuse and recycling. Thousands of pounds of salvaged materials will be saved from the landfill each month through this program. The Deconstruction member will assist Habitat affiliates in the management and execution of its Deconstruction Program. This includes, but is not limited to, providing leadership and direction to volunteers and partner families in the deconstruction of homes and other deconstruction projects, maintaining a safe and efficient work environment, and reconstructing, processing and loading materials for transport. This position promotes an environmentally friendly community by decreasing the amount of items thrown into landfill, and by increasing awareness around the value of sustainable building practices as part of Habitat’s mission in the community.

Community Outreach Coordination
National members will help the Host Site raise community awareness of what can be done to improve neighborhoods. Member responsibilities can include mapping community assets and involving community members in decision-making. Members can also cultivate partnerships with faith-based organizations and places of worship, and various community organizations and act as liaisons between the Host Site and different community partners.

Program Benefits:

AmeriCorps National members receive benefits including a living allowance, personal and sick leave, health care coverage, workers compensation and child care assistance (if eligible). Members also receive federal loan forbearance on qualified student loans, payment of interest accrued on qualified loans and an education award to pay for future educational expenses or repay qualified student loans. After completing 46.5 weeks of service, members may be eligible for an education award of $5,550.